Operations

Feds Sue Fiat-Chrysler Over Diesels

May 23, 2017
• by Staff

Photo of Ram 1500 EcoDiesel by Vince Taroc

The federal government has sued Fiat Chrysler Automobiles for using illegal engine-control software in its diesel vehicles so that they would perform differently during emissions testing than under normal driving conditions.

The Department of Justice filed the complaint on May 23, claiming FCA installed the software in 104,000 diesel Ram 1500 and Jeep Grand Cherokee vehicles. The filing comes days after FCA submitted a proposed software modification that it hoped would resolve the issue. FCA said it was disappointed about the filing.

"The company intends to defend itself vigorously, particularly against any claims that the company engaged in any deliberate scheme to install defeat devices to cheat U.S. emissions tests," according to an FCA statement.

FCA hasn't been able to sell its diesel models since January, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and California Air Resources Board issued notices of violation that the 3.0L V-6 powering the vehicles was emitting increased levels of nitrogen oxides that violate the Clean Air Act.

FCA has been in discussions with officials from the U.S. Department of Justice's Environment and Natural Resources Division.

The complaint cites eight "software-based features" that lessen the effectiveness of the emissions control systems during normal driving.

It's time to consider the intangible ways your fleet spend is tied to your business objectives. Reducing costs, raising efficiency, and improving safety are all critical. But so is your brand image and the relationship your customers have with it.

Volvo has made sweeping changes to its Care by Volvo subscription program, driven in part by complaints and legal challenges from dealers. For the first time, dealers will be allowed to add units from their inventory into the program.